With Commencement just around the corner, High Point University seniors are preparing to commence prestigious career paths around the world at Fortune 500 companies, international service programs, public school systems, top-tier law, medical and graduate school programs, and many other esteemed organizations thanks to their journey at HPU. Here’s a glimpse of one extraordinary senior from the Class of 2016:
Name: Hunter D’Abundo
Hometown: Wallingford, Connecticut
Major: D’Abundo will graduate with a B.S. in Psychology on May 7.
Post-graduation plans: D’Abundo will pursue her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at William James College in Newton, Massachusetts. After she obtains her doctorate, D’Abundo plans to open her own private practice.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU has helped me by encouraging me to always strive for greatness. From the incredible facilities, resources and faculty available to me, how could I aspire for anything less? Throughout my time at HPU I have been given many great opportunities ranging from getting to study abroad, receiving an internship placement within my field of study, getting to present my research at a state-wide conference, or just simply being chosen to represent the psychology department at a national-wide conference. All of these experiences have allowed me to value and appreciate the dedication HPU provides for students to be successful.“
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from many amazing faculty members at HPU, including Dr. Sarah Nielsen, Dr. Deborah Danzis and all of the psychology department. My most impactful mentor at HPU is Dr. Christopher Lootens in the psychology department. Dr. Lootens has always offered his help and assistance, both in and outside the classroom. From the moment I decided to continue my education, Dr. Lootens offered his guidance and advice, helping me through every step of the process. He was the one who encouraged me to take a leap of faith and apply for the higher level doctorate program I will now be attending. If it weren’t for Dr. Lootens’ encouragement, I would have never taken the risk and would have missed out on a great opportunity to further my education and achieve my professional goals.“
Most impactful moment at HPU: “My most impactful moment at HPU was my first day of freshman year when I said goodbye to my parents and walked into the Wanek Center, on my own for the first time. It was in that moment that I realized that the next four years were going to be some of, if not the most, influential years of my life.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Don’t be afraid to take a risk or go after a goal you once thought was impossible to achieve; the end results may surprise you.“